Michelle and Barack Obama were spotted out in Melbourne today enjoying lunch at a beachfront restaurant during the former president’s speaking tour of Australia.
The couple had some down time as they enjoyed a meal at the Stokehouse restaurant, St Kilda beach.
Obama, who is in Australia for a speaking tour, spoke in Sydney on Tuesday night for ‘An Evening with President Obama’, where tickets start from $195.
He and Michelle have been snapped out enjoying sights like the Sydney Opera House, going to dinner and even walking over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Their latest outing was to Stokehouse, which houses a high-end restaurant serving seafood and Wagyu fillets for $90 (AU$135), as well as a cheaper pasta bar alternative.
The former president and first lady were spotted leaving a beachfront restaurant in Melbourne
Michelle Obama was dressed down in a white t-shirt, wide leg jeans and a blazer
Obama looked smart in a classic suit for the outing with his wife, which comes during his tour of Australia
Michelle was dressed down in a white t-shirt, wide leg jeans and a blazer for the meal. She paired her look with a headband and sunglasses
Meanwhile her husband wore a classic suit with his top button undone as they kicked back.
It comes after, an Aboriginal elder who was dumped from performing at a welcome ceremony in Melbourne received an apology yesterday from event organisers.
Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy, 78, was set to perform the welcome ceremony for the ex-US president’s speech in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Stokehouse on St Kilda beach houses a high-end restaurant serving seafood and Wagyu fillets for $90 (AU$135), as well as a cheaper pasta bar alternative downstairs
Ahead of the event, she asked organisers if she could bring a support person and a cultural gift for Mr Obama.
However, the shocked elder says she was then told she was being ‘too difficult’ by the organisers, the Growth Faculty, who axed her from the event.
Growth Faculty has since apologised to Aunty Joy.
‘Growth Faculty has apologised to Aunty Joy that last night’s ceremony could not be changed,’ the organisers said in a statement on Thursday morning.
Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy, 78, was set to perform the Welcome to Country ceremony for Barack Obama’s event on Wednesday night
‘Aunty Joy has accepted Growth Faculty’s invitation to perform Welcome to Country at a business lunch taking place in Melbourne today.
‘Due to security requirements, the organisation was unable to accommodate last-minute changes to the agreed upon ceremony.’
Obama held the second of his talks on Wednesday evening at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The ‘An Evening with Obama’ event, according to his site, saw the former president tell his story.
‘A story of resilience, overcoming obstacles and fighting injustice, President Obama’s historical achievements were driven by an unmatched tenacity and determination that have become synonymous with his name,’ it reads.
Mr Obama and his wife Michelle arrived in Melbourne by private jet on Wednesday as he continues his speaking tour
‘As an attorney, author and 44th President of the United States, there is no voice more relevant to leaders than his.
‘At this special event, he will touch on his time in office, the work of the Obama Foundation and inspire you with his thoughts on the future of leadership.’
The security costs for Obama’s million dollar two day speaking tour of Australia have proved controversial in Australia.
Radio host Ray Hadley asked why taxpayers had to foot the bill for NSW, Victoria and Federal police officers.